Transforming lives through affordable education in Africa

Transforming lives through affordable education in Africa

by | Oct 25, 2024 | Underserved Communities

Transforming lives through affordable education in Africa

In our recent conversation, Brian Ashton, president of BYU Pathway Worldwide, detailed the organization’s significant role in expanding higher education opportunities in Africa. Serving nearly 28,000 students across 30 countries, BYU Pathway is tackling the urgent need for accessible education in a region where just 9% of college-age youth have access to university seats.

Key innovations driving success

President Ashton highlighted several key innovations that have contributed to their success:

  • Pathway Connect: A foundational program that builds confidence and teaches essential life, professional, and university skills.
  • Certificate-first approach: Students begin with job-ready certificates, which can lead to a bachelor’s degree, ensuring immediate value and employability.
  • Three-year bachelor’s degree: By eliminating elective credits, BYU Pathway offers a more focused and cost-effective path to a degree.
  • Affordable tuition: Through church subsidies and innovative cost-saving measures, a full degree in many African countries costs less than $300.

Employment outcomes

The program’s success is evident in its employment outcomes. Students find opportunities through local jobs, entrepreneurship programs, and increasingly, remote work for international companies. President Ashton noted that remote job placements have tripled in the past year, providing students with access to hard currency and companies with a highly educated, English-speaking workforce.

A scalable model for Africa’s future

BYU Pathway’s model demonstrates that high-quality, affordable education can be delivered at scale, even in challenging environments. As Africa’s population is projected to double by 2050, innovative approaches like these will be crucial in meeting the continent’s educational needs.

Micro-Credentials: A Flexible Path for Students, but Accountability Gaps Remain

by | Oct 24, 2024 | Underserved Communities

Micro-Credentials: A Flexible Path for Students, but Accountability Gaps Remain

Key takeaway

Sara Weissman from Inside Higher Ed discusses how micro-credentials are growing in popularity because they offer students a quicker, more affordable path to gaining job-ready skills compared to traditional degrees. These short-term programs can range from three weeks to a year and focus on specific skills like IT, healthcare, and even emotional intelligence.

Why it matters

Many students, especially those from underserved communities, find micro-credentials appealing as they juggle work, family, and education. These programs offer an accessible alternative for those who can’t commit to longer degree programs. The ability to “stack” credentials towards a degree is a key benefit for long-term learning.

The challenge

The “wild west” nature of micro-credentials means students face transparency and accountability issues. Some programs, especially shorter ones or those offered by non-accredited institutions, lack oversight. There’s a need for clear information on program quality and long-term earning potential, particularly for students from underserved communities who are more likely to rely on them.

Looking forward

For micro-credentials to truly benefit all students, especially those from marginalized backgrounds, clear pathways to further education and employment, as well as more scrutiny and oversight, will be essential.

Adapting for working learners

by | Oct 22, 2024 | Innovation, Working Learners

Adapting for working learners

In a rapidly evolving educational landscape, the needs of working adult learners are becoming increasingly prominent. As traditional models of higher education adapt to accommodate this growing demographic, leaders in the field are sharing valuable insights on how to best serve these students.

Why it matters

As more adults pursue education while working, universities must adapt to meet their unique needs.

Go deeper

Key takeaways from higher education leaders highlight the importance of respecting students’ time, offering flexibility in scheduling and learning modalities, aligning credentials with employer needs, and providing short-term credentials as entry points. These insights collectively demonstrate a shift towards more adaptable and career-focused higher education models that better serve working adult learners.

The big picture

Universities are evolving to better serve working adults by prioritizing flexibility, employer partnerships, and career-relevant credentials.

Compiling Semiconductor Industry-Aligned Programs

by | Oct 21, 2024 | Innovation

Comprehensive Program Compilation Initiative

The Presidents Forum is compiling a comprehensive list of programs offered at their institutions that align with the semiconductor manufacturing industry. This effort aims to create a valuable resource that showcases the diverse range of educational opportunities available to support this critical sector. By identifying and cataloging these programs, the Presidents Forum seeks to highlight the collective expertise and capabilities of their institutions in preparing the workforce for the rapidly evolving semiconductor industry.

Collaborative Feedback Process

In the coming days, presidents and their staff will receive an email containing an initial list of programs that have been identified. We kindly request your feedback on this preliminary compilation. Your input is crucial in ensuring the accuracy and completeness of the information.

Leveraging the Program List for Industry Growth

Once finalized, the Presidents Forum will publish this list of programs and utilize it in coordination with various CHIPS initiatives. This collaborative effort will not only showcase the strength of our educational offerings but also facilitate stronger connections between academia and the semiconductor industry, ultimately supporting the growth and innovation in this vital sector.